Israel’s attorney general initiated a criminal investigation into potential dubious ties between Netanyahu’s office and Qatar, amid concerns about national security. The investigation will be conducted by police and the Shin Bet, following revelations of interactions between high-ranking officials and Qatari representatives. This follows a series of reports on previous misconduct involving Netanyahu’s aides.
On February 28, 2025, Israel’s attorney general launched a criminal probe into suspected improper connections between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and Qatari officials, raising national security concerns. Qatar has played a crucial role in negotiating ceasefires and securing the release of Israeli hostages, yet formal diplomatic ties between Israel and Qatar remain non-existent.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara disclosed that the investigation will involve both law enforcement and the Shin Bet domestic security agency. This initiative follows findings from a Shin Bet examination into interactions between high-ranking Netanyahu aides and Qatari representatives, which suggested risks to sensitive information.
During a recent briefing, Baharav-Miara noted that she received alarming insights regarding the “connections between individuals operating within the Prime Minister’s Office and entities linked to the State of Qatar.” This directive arrives on the heels of investigative reports revealing potential business affiliations between Qatari officials and Netanyahu’s advisers, such as Yonatan Urich, Yisrael Einhorn, and former spokesman Eli Feldstein.
In November 2024, Feldstein was charged for leaking classified materials to the press, reportedly attempting to hinder negotiations with Hamas for hostage release. The inquiry’s findings could significantly impact Israel’s political landscape, intensifying scrutiny of perceived foreign influence within the Netanyahu administration.
The initiation of a criminal investigation into the ties between Netanyahu’s office and Qatar underscores serious concerns about national security and the integrity of governmental operations. With the involvement of both police and the Shin Bet, the inquiry reflects a significant step towards accountability regarding potentially compromised sensitive information. As this investigation unfolds, it could have far-reaching implications for Israel’s political dynamics and foreign relations.
Original Source: www.dimsumdaily.hk
